Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Stripe on Stripe

Since today's dress is composed of two contrasting stripe patterns, I thought I might as well make the theme stripe on stripe (on stripe) by pairing it with these striped Prada pumps. Is it too much?


I wanted to wear something today that was definitely summery, as the 90-degree weather means the season is here no matter what the calendar might say. I also wanted to wear something comfortable, as I knew I would be scrambling to get a lot of work done. This dress, another steal from Belk, definitely fits the bill. I'm definitely becoming a bigger and bigger fan of this department store chain - especially the clearance racks! 

Outfit Details:

Dress: Taylor Dress (no longer available)

Pumps: Prada Black and White Striped Bow Pumps (no longer available)

It's always difficult coming back to work after a three-day weekend, but it was so nice to have the extra day off... even though I did spend most of yesterday on my computer. I still managed to sleep in, run outside (in the daylight), and enjoy time with my husband. Highlights included:
  • Picking up Norman from Ranger Dog Training. Things still aren't perfect at home, but they do feel a little better. Norman is walking better on the leash, staying more quiet and in control while he's in his crate, and not crying as much overall when Wally gets attention. He still wants to kill Wally, though (or so we think).
  • Seeing the new Captain America movie with Chapin
  • Hanging with my mom and buying some artwork at the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest.

Hopefully, you enjoyed your Memorial Day holiday as well!

Friday, May 27, 2016

Red, White and Chiffon

Happy Friday! I'm so excited to have an extra day off and a long weekend to rest, relax and spend some quality time with my hubby. He's been traveling so much lately, and his project (in Columbus, Ohio) is nearing its end.

Since we are celebrating Memorial Day, I thought a red/white/blue themed dress would be appropriate to wear today:


This chiffon dress, from French Connection, is light, airy and comfortable - perfect for a hot Friday (the high today is around 86 degrees) before a holiday weekend. The floral design has pops of blue, red, orange and pink, so I paired the dress with pink lips and red/orange sandals.

Dress: French Connection Shadow Bloom Fit and Flare Dress

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Lang Sandals in Flame

The dress is still available (and on sale) at the following online retailers:


There are some amazing sales going on now online and in stores, so happy shopping! A holiday weekend is my favorite time to shop.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

$20 a Dress

I scored this amazing Anne Klein dress a few weeks ago at Belk for only $20. I looked at the receipt in surprise: Did I really just pay only $20 for this cute fit and flare dress? Amazing!


You can still buy the dress, although you will pay a bit more, at Amazon and Saks Off 5th. Most major retailers carry the brand - Macy's, Lord and Taylor, and Nordstrom are a few - and the dresses are very reasonably priced.

Dress: Anne Klein Lattice Patterned Fit and Flare Dress

Pumps: Manolo Blahnik

Here's a bonus photo featuring Wally, who is home alone this week while Norman is attending his "Board and Train" with Ranger Dog Training.

Although we've been working with both dogs to try to add structure to our home, as well as establish the human beings in the house as the "top dogs," Norman still tries to attack Wally any chance he gets. We've had to keep both dogs completely separated 24/7: separate walks, separate free time, etc.

Our trainer, Ken, who came to our house for several intense sessions a few months ago, recommended the Board and Train as the next option. Norman will be living with him for 1-2 weeks to really drill in some of the exercises, and he's going to try to help Norman gain more confidence around other dogs, among other things. Perhaps if Norman feels more confident at home, he will not feel that Wally is such a threat. We really feel that jealousy is at the root of all these problems.

You can check out some videos of Norman on the company's Facebook page, or view the first video dedicated completely to Norman on YouTube.






Monday, May 23, 2016

Feeling Colorful

I have an insanely busy week ahead of me, so I wanted to start the week off on a bright note... in this multi-colored Trina Turk confection.

Dress: Trina Turk Jeweled Peggy Dress

The vivid cacophony of colors is perfect for a bright sunny day in spring or summer. I feel good just looking at this dress, and the sandals I chose perfectly match the gray/silver hues.  Best of all, the bodice is covered in jeweled stones. It's just such a fun dress overall.

Sandals: Jimmy Choo Atlas Patent Leather Crisscross Sandals in Silver (sold out online)

Chapin and I had a fun evening last night, attending the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Icon Awards at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown. Lawrence Kasdan, a screenwriter-director best known for Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi from the Star Wars series, and The Accidental Tourist, received the honor this year.  Here's a Q&A with Mr. Kasdan.

Afterward, we had a late dinner at Cooks & Soldiers near our home, and it was an amazing seafood extravaganza filled with:

  • Grilled Mediterranean octopus ("Pulpo")
  • Seared scallops
  • A two-pound snapper with mojo verde and garlic chips that came to the table head and all
  • Grilled asparagus with olive oil, fleur de sel and garlic chips
The whole meal was fantastic. I even tried a drink with bee pollen as a featured ingredient. It was... odd! It's called the Mayhem Elektrikoa if you ever want to try it.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Party in the Back

This Karen Millen fit and flare dress is a little different from the typical black and cream striped dress: it has an open back! 



Although it's hard to tell from the photos, the cream stripes are actually lace! It's such a feminine piece, and paired with a red bag, it's absolutely adorable. Plus, I just love the pockets.

Dress: Karen Millen Stripe Lace Fit and Flare Dress (no longer available)

Tip: Remember to size up when buying anything from the brand. British sizing tends to be a little off.

Sandals: Kate Spade New York

Monday, May 16, 2016

Scuba Trend

Scuba is definitely a material trend that seems to be here to stay. I like wearing scuba dresses on work days when I know I have to travel for a meeting; scuba won't wrinkle like cotton or, my nemesis, silk.

I like this particular dress, from designer Shoshanna, because it's definitely a more unique addition to my wardrobe. The navy panels are mesh, and I love the detail at the neckline. The pop of maroon makes it stand out, too, and matches perfectly with these Stuart Weitzman sandals. Best of all: it's really comfortable!

Dress: Shoshanna Tom Scuba Beaded Neck Dress




The dress is still available at Saks and on Shoshanna.com.

Sandals: Stuart Weitzman Soundtrack High Heel Sandals

My family was nice enough to celebrate my birthday on Saturday, complete with gluten-free cake. I love any opportunity to spend time with little sister, Laura, and her family. Aren't her boys the cutest?


Monday, May 9, 2016

38 Special

I've spent the past few days celebrating another birthday... I can't believe I'm 38! It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating the end of the teen years, then turning 25 and getting married, then entering my 30s. They always say the years fly by in an instant, and that seems to be a truer statement with every year that passes.


Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Nadiya Lace Round Neck Dress

This dress is great for showing off curves, but it's still suitable for work or an evening out. I love the contrast of the navy with the lace detail. BCBGMaxAzria has really stepped it up lately... I finally feel like the brand is back to making feminine, powerful designs that resonate with working women.

Sandals: Kate Spade New York Isa Dress Sandals in Bronze

Friday, May 6, 2016

The Red and the Black

Whenever I wear red and black, I always think of the University of Georgia's newspaper, The Red and Black. I came very close to attending UGA, but decided ultimately to go to Emory University instead. I'm sure my life would be very different today had I taken that road...


Dress: Black Halo Reeve Sheath Dress

Pumps: Saint Laurent Paris 80 Studded Cap Toe Pumps

Next week is my birthday, so my company, Local Marketing, Inc., threw me a little party today, complete with gluten-free cake from Southern Sweets. I have to admit... it's nice to be appreciated.





Thursday, May 5, 2016

Time for Nachos

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Mexican restaurants are sure to be slammed tonight, so I will probably stay in and attempt to make nachos. I definitely have a weakness for Mexican food. Even though I have celiac disease, fortunately I can still eat most Mexican dishes. Thank goodness for corn tortillas!

I chose today's dress because the jeweled embellishments reminded me a little of Mexican tiles. I know... I'm reaching, but at least I tried!


Dress: Shoshanna Idalia Navy Dress

I love the delicate details on this dress. The small straps and the slightly open back are really quite exquisite. I also love how the dress moves when I walk. Here is a similar dress from the Shoshanna line that incorporates the same embellishments you see above.

Sandals: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker (no longer available)

Enjoy your Mexican food today!

Monday, May 2, 2016

Tryouts

I love Internet shopping, but every once in a while it's nice to go into a store and actually try items on. That's what I did with this particular dress, and discovered that I actually liked the way the extra-small fit me over the small. I never would have made the decision to purchase the smaller size unless I tried the dress on in advance! Sometimes a trip to the store pays off.


Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Kristin Patchwork Print Dress

You can still snag the dress at several online retailers:

Sandals: Manolo Blahnik Chaos Metallic Mesh Ankle Strap Sandals

This dress would pair well with a black or red shoe, but I chose to go with a metallic hue. I love any chance to wear these Manolos!

You can still buy the Chaos sandal, just not this particular style. I've seen these sandals on just about every celebrity, from Rihanna to Reese Witherspoon to Jennifer Lawrence. They are extremely versatile, and are still available at retailers like Saks.

Since today is Monday, I'll give you a quick weekend recap:
  • I had my parents over to my house for dinner and a movie on Saturday. I wanted them to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens. They both enjoyed it, even my dad, who actually asked me midway through the movie: Now who is Luke's father? How could he not know that?! He just doesn't like science-fiction as much as my mom. My sister, Gail, and I also love the genre.
  • Despite the pouring rain, I made the trip out to Sugar Hill, Georgia, on Sunday to celebrate my nephew's second birthday. He has the best birthday: May Fourth (Star Wars Day: "May the Fourth be With You"). I guess you could say I had a Star Wars-themed weekend.